Traveling in 2016 – 5 Tips to Help You Save Cash

Visiting Southern California in 2016? Or do you live in the area and want to take a vacation that’s close to home? The following five tips will help you get the most recreational and financial bang for your vacation buck!

Visit several SoCal areas at once.

If you haven’t been to the San Bernardino Mountains, plan to spend the bulk of your trip in the Lake Arrowhead area. In a tranquil, picturesque spot dubbed the “Swiss Alps of Southern California,” you will find shops, outdoor adventure and restaurants you won’t want to miss. For more about this, check out our recent blog posts about what to do in Southern California/Lake Arrowhead. Also, while you’re in the area, don’t forget to squeeze in a visit to other SoCal favorites. You can “go Hollywood” for the day and hit all of the tourist spots in LA such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Mann’s Chinese Theater or Universal Studios. Or head south to Temecula for vineyard tours or an Indian casino. Southern California is an amazing place to visit in 2016.

Use technology to your advantage.

If you are flying into LAX or Orange County before heading to Lake Arrowhead, remember to book flights well in advance for the best deals. Most sites now have “fare calendars” which show the best prices for any given month. If possible, try to travel on Mondays which are often less in demand than other days of the week. Use review websites and apps to scout great locations, rental cars and restaurants. Did you know, for example, that you could upgrade to much nicer, safer, roomier rental cars for a just a few bucks? So save money where you can, but be willing to spend a little more for the sake of a relaxing trip. Even if your group is small, you will want to have room in the trunk for the shopping you’ll do in Lake Arrowhead Village.

Consider traveling during the off-season.

It’s difficult to avoid the crowds these days no matter when you travel. However, Lake Arrowhead has distinct tourist seasons. So you may be able to book a house or cabin at a discount if you book through Arrowhead Property Rental. Taking a vacation during the off season is a great way to save money and also, enjoy a more restful vacation. So, if work and school permit, consider heading up the hill in early fall or winter. Snowfall has left a lovely blanket of snow on the mountain. Instead of driving up and picnicking on a turnout, dedicate a weekend to snow play. If you ski, Snow Valley will provide everything you need for a day on the slopes. And if you prefer cross-country skiing, head to Rim Nordic. If you would prefer even more casual snow-play, check out Snowdrift Tubing Park.

Book a vacation home in Lake Arrowhead.

Use Arrowhead Property Rental (book at ArrowheadRent.com) to find the perfect vacation home to fit your group and spending plan. Renting a fully-furnished home is a great way to bring together your entire family in one place. You can consider a vacation home your own little “hotel” without worrying about loud neighbors, overpriced room service, or 7 am housekeeping interruptions. And if you find a home that you love, you can make it part of an annual tradition.

Make your own meals (and memories)

Fully equipped vacation homes provide you with several ways to save money. Consider the costs of dining out every day. If you have a group of six adults on a four-day trip, that adds up to 72 total meals, if everyone in the group eats three times a day. That could easily be $1,000 to $2,000 for food. By eating meals in a well-appointed vacation home, the group has more money to spend on fun nature-focused excursions or shopping trips. Meals and snacks can also be enjoyed on your own schedule. Also, you can indulge late-night ice cream cravings or open a bottle of wine after the kids go to bed.

Whether you’re looking to spend a single night of luxury with your closest friends with a gourmet kitchen or would prefer to stay in a modest cabin for several days, weeks or months, at Arrowhead Property Rental in Lake Arrowhead, California, we offer lodging to fit all tastes and budgets – for individuals, couples, families and groups — all at great prices, with unbelievable amenities. Check out the possibilities. Don’t delay. Book today.